Leadership Fort Smith welcomes 23rd class

A good crowd gathered Thursday night (Aug. 20) at the Fort Smith Convention Center to welcome the new 2010 class of Leadership Fort Smith.

Twenty-five individuals have been chosen for the 2009-10 class of Leadership Fort Smith, a program offered through the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. Participants for Leadership Fort Smith, which is beginning its 23rd year, go through an extensive application and selection process, according to a UAFS statement. Leadership Fort Smith focuses on key community issues and leadership skills, with those in the program engaging in sessions that offer solid, firsthand information and provide opportunities for dialogue with leaders in various fields.

Many of the new class members expressed an interest in learning more about economic and cultural development in the region.

Julie Moncrief is the executive director of Leadership Fort Smith.

New class members are:
Marna Boltuc of Fort Smith, principal, Christ the King School
Darren Brewer of Fort Smith, vice president-commercial lending, BancorpSouth
Yolanda Carr of Fort Smith, grants coordinator, UAFS
Shanita Christian of Fort Smith, assistant controller, Griffin Properties of Fort Smith – Griffin Construction Co.
Debbie Everly of Fort Smith, community volunteer
Jessica Hayes of Bonanza, museum coordinator, U.S. Marshals Museum
Shelli Henehan of Fort Smith, director, Pre-School Early Childhood Education program, College of Education, UAFS
Patrick Jacobs of Fort Smith, branch lease manager, Carco Rentals Inc.
Matt Keep of Fort Smith, vice president and clinic operations officer, St. Edward Mercy Health System
Maria Lau of Fort Smith, senior vice president, mortgage lending, Arvest Bank
Pat Little of Fort Smith, community volunteer
Chris Marley of Fort Smith, vice president, sales and information technology, Fort Smith Restaurant Supply
Jennifer McKinney of Fort Smith, social studies department chair and civics teacher, Kimmons Junior High
Meighan Pendergrass of Fort Smith, director of the fitness center, UAFS
Dean Pitts of Van Buren, major and patrol division commander, Fort Smith Police Department, and real estate agent, Assurance Realty
Veronica J. Post of Altus, Mayor of the City of Altus
Megan Raynor of Fort Smith, accountant, Hanna Oil and Gas Co.
Jed Reinhard of Fort Smith, manager of engineering and maintenance, Baldor Electric Co.
Salvatore Salamone of Fort Smith, vice president, taxes, Golden Living
Sherry Sims of Fort Smith, human resources coordinator, Rheem Manufacturing Co.
Genia Smith of Fort Smith, corporate officer and credit manager, Arkansas Glass and Mirror Co.
Karen Tyler of Fort Smith, program director, KIDS FIRST in Fort Smith
Shannon White of Hackett, executive director, patient financial services, Sparks Health System
Christy Williams of Fort Smith, director of donor relations, UAFS
Pat Williams of Fort Smith, senior vice president and chief operations officer, First National Bank